Firefighter accused of assaulting girlfriend before he was shot, killed in Charles County

BALTIMORE - A Washington D.C. firefighter allegedly assaulted his girlfriend before he was shot and killed by a man who was walking his dog in Charles County, according to deputies.

Carl Braxton, 30, an eight-year firefighter with the DC Fire Department, was shot around 3 a.m. Monday in Bryan's Road, Maryland. He was taken to the hospital where he died.

Deputies said Braxton was reported to have assaulted his girlfriend inside their townhouse. The Charles County Sheriff's Office said the woman was able to get out of the home and came across a man who was walking his dog.

Witnesses told police, Braxton threatened to harm the man and continued to walk aggressively toward him, at which time the man, who has a permit to carry a firearm, produced a gun and shot Braxton, according to police. 

Deputies said the man remained on the scene until officers arrived, was taken to the police station and released pending further investigation.    

Braxton was a member of engine company 22 in Shepherd Park. He joined the department as part of Cadet Class 17 and graduated in April 2015.  

"Members of the department impacted by the loss are being provided assistance from the DC Fire Department's Peer Support Team," the department said.